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Awards recognize achievements of football season

The Bengals and Lions officially closed their respective football seasons with their Appreciation and Awards Night on Wednesday evening. The night was filled with praise directed at coaches, players, and community members alike.
Graduating players Madiosn Brousseau, Spencer Graling, Liam Elliot, Marlin Melnyk, and Brad Dubrule were given their team jerseys at the conclusion of their final season with
Graduating players Madiosn Brousseau, Spencer Graling, Liam Elliot, Marlin Melnyk, and Brad Dubrule were given their team jerseys at the conclusion of their final season with the Lions team.

The Bengals and Lions officially closed their respective football seasons with their Appreciation and Awards Night on Wednesday evening. The night was filled with praise directed at coaches, players, and community members alike.

The evening was hosted by Roger Girard, colloquially known as “The Voice of St. Paul Football,” and began with Lions and Bengals players thanking their coaches for their work during the season.

“Coaching takes a lot of patience,” one Lions player said. “Our coaches taught us to do our jobs, and to do them well. Because if we all learn to do our jobs then we can be successful both on and off the field. Our coaches helped us learn the fundamentals of football, to work hard, and gave the other teams in the league something to worry about.”

Bengals defensive coordinator Derek Zapisocki was singled out as an exceptional coach by one of his players. “Coach Z inspired an entire team to work hard. He helped us to be proud of ourselves and happy with what we do, win or lose.”

Bengals co-head coach Mark Tichkowsky offered similar sentiments about the Bengals players and stated why he loves to coach them.

“Football is about so much more than just sport. Ten years from now you probably won’t remember the team record this year. You won’t remember how many games you won or lost. But you will remember a special touchdown you scored, an exceptional tackle you made, and the friendships you forged.”

Special recognition was given to graduating seniors Madison Brousseau, Spencer Graling, Liam Elliot, Marlin Melnyk, and Brad Dubrule.

Girard also thanked a long list of St. Paul football sponsors, saying, “Without our local sponsors, absolutely nothing we do would be possible. They help is so many ways and we are very grateful for them.”

The night concluded with player awards.

Most Valuable Receiver – Shayne Hurtubise

Most Valuable Defensive Back – Noah Villard

Most Valuable Offensive Back – Madison Brousseau

Most Valuable Linebacker – Spencer Graling

Most Valuable Defensive Lineman – Justin Fodchuk

Most Valuable Offensive Lineman – Bryden Bull

Most Improved – Henri Laidley

Rookie of Year – Sheldon Scrannage

Randall Krys Iron Man Award – Spencer Graling

Most Contribution/Least Recognition – Brad Dubrule

MVP – Madison Brousseau, Spencer Graling

The Bengals offered similar awards, with a large round of applause sounding when Dawson Poliakiwiski won Offensive Lineman of the Year.

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